Day 273 – EU – France [Fretigny to Chartres]

02/01/21

40.5km

  From Fretigny (France) to Chartres (France)

Europe

Al fresco start with minus six Celsius, beautiful sunny day and arrival by the cathedral with a fellow runner from Strava

I am enjoying these early morning starts before dawn, frosty and cold. I ran about 1hr15 on my own before any car passed me. Country roads, forest trails, fields left and right, it’s all very peaceful and beautiful. When there is no wind or rain, I don’t even have to dress up warmly. It was minus 6 Celsius (real feel) as I left this morning and I was dressed normally for winter. I even ditched my gloves 1hr into the run.

The local press has been relaying my story for over a week now and as I ran through a few villages I again received encouragement from total strangers. Drivers honking or opening their car windows to shout a few bravos. I guess in such rural areas I must be quite an attraction! It is also true that with Covid19 there are less travelers passing through the area.

A Strava follower, Antoine, had contacted me when he saw me heading towards Paris. I gave him my detailed itinerary and he met me on the road today! He drove all the way from Paris to meet me and run the last few kilometers to the Cathedral. How very kind. I was pleased to be met by another local journalist who published another article about my crossing of the region.

Chartres is a beautiful city, less than 1hr away from Paris by car, with an iconic Cathedral (World heritage site, UNESCO classified). I walked the streets of the city in the afternoon, very beautiful and pleasant.

I also did a Covid test. I have been meeting with quite a few people lately (journalists, fellow runners, hosts etc..) and though I always wear a mask in general, I do not whilst running. Anyway, the test came back negative and since I do not have any symptoms, it is reassuring. As I progress towards Paris and Normandie, I will visit my siblings and my parents, it is important I make sure I am not carrying any virus along with me!

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: